Recently I posted a photo of my sisters puppy, passed out on the kitchen floor after I had applied some certified pure therapeutic grade oil on his ears:

Lavender Dog

I received many likes and funny comments from this photo but also inquiries if it would help calm adults, children and help with sleep, so I thought it good to share some information on the benefits of using lavender essential oil.

Lavender essential oil has many uses that make it so well-loved in the world of aromatherapy. It is a wonderful natural remedy for a wide variety of both emotional health and physical health problems. A useful oil for anything from skin irritations to even vertigo, lavender essential oil is helpful in relieving stress and insomnia. Just simply smelling the oil right out of the bottle can help calm the nerves.

For Stress Relief

The power of lavender essential oil in providing stress relief can also be attributed to its linalool and linalyl acetate content. These naturally occurring phytochemicals give lavender essential oil the ability to be readily integrated into our body’s processes to start acting quickly.

Along with inhaling the oil out of the bottle, you can also end a stress-filled day by taking a nice warm bath and add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your tub (well, maybe in the Fall, when it is no longer 90+ degrees and humid). If you are not one for baths or don't have a tub, you can always put some drops in a humidifier or use an essential oil diffuser... the latter of which I recommend very highly!

Another way of using this oil for stress relief is to get a massage and have your therapist use the oil through part or all of the session. As a massage therapist, this is my most used oil in session. For any client who comes to me saying they are super tense, stressed and want to relax, I open the massage by putting drops of the oil all along their spine. It is amazing to see how quickly one relaxes just from that one simple thing.

I do want to take a moment to highlight the benefits of using an essential oil diffuser in your home. Truly, you can use a diffuser through out the day with other oils, however, diffusing lavender essential oil certainly does a calming effect... for you, your loved ones and, yes, your dog.

You don't need to hire a massage therapist to apply the oil topically. Other considerations for topical application include applying it directly (neat) on pulse points and back of the neck or diluting in a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, which is important if one has sensitive skin or is applying the oil on a baby/small child. Also, applying the oil on the bottoms of the feet is super safe and effective, as the pores on the bottom of the feet are big and absorb oils quickly!

For Insomnia

A very common symptom of stress-related issues is insomnia. These are so intertwined that it can often be hard to determine if the stress causes the insomnia or if the insomnia is the cause of the stress. Therefore why not tackle both problems with the one oil?

The aroma of lavender essential oil can help regulate your blood pressure and heart rate. This will then lead you to a more relaxed state where sleep and stress relief will come easier for you.

Remember the highlight on using a diffuser in your home? Be sure to have one in the bedroom just for bedtime! Diffusing lavender at bedtime is magic and truly helps promote a restful nights sleep. In the dry winter months, it also adds moisture to the air for easier breathing... another vital component to a restful nights sleep!

Now keep in mind that lavender oil is not a cure or a religion. It won’t necessarliy stop the dog barking or make your boss a kinder person, but it will assist in quieting your mind for sleeping. Most problems are less daunting after a reasonable night’s sleep.

Added bonus? There's no lavender hangover.

Where Do I Get This Awesome Essential Oil?

The best way to get the most pure of lavender essential oils and at wholesale is through a company that provides both! The company I have found to be the most reputable is doTERRA. I personally use the oil in my private massage therapy sessions, incorporate them in my MELT classes and, of course, use them on myself!